Embark on an 11-day cruise from Puntarenas to Panama City, unveiling "Pura Vida" spirit. Explore Puntarenas' cultural tapestry, venture to Puerto Jiménez's pristine jungles, and discover Marina Flamingo's luxury. Sail the Pacific, unwind at Playa Panama, and navigate the iconic Panama Canal. Disembark in Colon, Panama City, witnessing Gatúnsee's flourishing rainforest. A journey of natural wonders and historical treasures awaits
Highlights
Explore Puntarenas long beaches on Nicoya Peninsula
Discover Pearl Islands' paradise, with over 200 inhabited pearl isles
Visit Manuel Antonio Park's diverse rainforests and wildlife
Sail through the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Pura vida! Protected by the Nicoya Peninsula with its beautiful nature parks, Puntarenas is located on a narrow headland that extends into the Gulf of Nicoya. To the right and left of the pier long beaches line the coast, along which the promenade with hotels, bars, and restaurants runs. Only about 71 miles separate the popular port city on the Pacific side of Costa Rica from the capital San José. Worth seeing are the gold and National Museum as well as the beautiful buildings like the classical National Theater and the elegant and playful post and telegraph office.
From Punta Leona, you can reach the Carara National Park, spanning over 5,000 hectares and three distinct vegetation zones. Jungle giants covered in vines, a dense canopy of leaves, and orchids showcase nature in its most pristine form. Three massive suspension bridges traverse the treetops of the jungle, providing unique insights into the wildlife and plant life.
Quepos was a lively little port at the time of booming banana exports. Today it is a gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park, which lies to the south. The park covers an area of just 2 1/2 square miles and is one of the most diverse rainforests in Costa Rica. Paths lead you from the beautiful sandy beach straight to the heart of this untamed green kingdom. More than 1,000 varieties of plant and prolific wildlife, including whole herds of inquisitive apes, sloths, coatis, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and unique colorful butterflies have made this place their home.
Marina Flamingo emerged as an ambitious $50 million project on the west coast of Costa Rica. This luxury yacht marina offers more than just elegant hotel villas, restaurants, and shopping options – it provides a plethora of recreational activities ranging from deep-sea fishing and diving to golf and mountain biking. While Flamingo Beach may not be home to pink flamingos, the dreamy beach in the Guanacaste province beckons with soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical vegetation.
As still as a lake, the sea lies under the tropical sun: thanks to its sheltered location in a tree-lined bay, Playa Panama is considered the most relaxing and tranquil beach on the Guanacaste coast – the perfect place to unwind. The Palo Verde National Park stretches along one bank of the Rio Tempisque. It features the densest population of water fowl in the whole of Costa Rica and is one of the best areas for bird watching in Central America – almost 300 species of bird have been identified here. The best vantage point to see them is on a boat trip through the mangroves.
Climbing the rigging, untying ropes, setting sails – today is all about sailing. Time to lean back and relax in the deck chair and watch the passionate crew hoisting the sails by hand.
Deep in the Pacific South of Costa Rica lies the small town of Puerto Jiménez on the diverse Osa Peninsula. As the area is almost entirely covered by pristine rainforest, it's a dream destination for nature enthusiasts, and you won't find hordes of tourists here. Life in this 1,700-resident town is tranquil: in the mid-20th century, loggers and gold prospectors briefly brought a boom to Puerto Jiménez, but calm returned thereafter. Today, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. In the Piedras Blancas Rainforest Park, the high humidity creates lush greenery – providing a home for coatis, jaguars, and vibrant tropical birds.
Enjoy fitness, massages or sun and sea with a good book in the deck chair. This day beneath full sails gives you all the options for your perfect personal wellness program.
The name of this Pacific archipelago in the Gulf of Panama pre-dates the Spanish conquest to a time when its inhabitants were pearl fishermen and traded in beautiful oyster pearls. Where in previous centuries, pirates and buccaneers hid out and buried their loot, other treasures can now be found. Over 200 pearl islands, of which even the smallest are inhabited, form an almost undisturbed paradise with a diverse range of lakes and rivers, enchanting white coral beaches, golden sandy beaches and black volcanic beaches, rounded off with lush green tropical vegetation. The island of Contadora has special significance as the place where U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed the Panama Canal Treaty in 1977, ceding sovereign rights over the Panama Canal to the Republic of Panama.
Day 10: Day sailing through the Panama Canal | Panama City
The idea of connecting the Atlantic and Pacific at the narrowest part of Central America had been around for many hundreds of years, but from a technical perspective this tremendous achievement only became possible much later. The French took on the project in 1881, after the successful opening of the Suez Canal in Egypt in 1869. But it would be more than 30 years before the canal was finally completed in 1914. This masterpiece of technology is just under 50 miles long, has 12 lock basins and negotiates a difference in altitude of 85 feet. The Panama Canal is one of the world's most important waterways and most spectacular ship canals.
Arrival 07:00 pm in Panama City
Day 11: Colon, Panama City | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Since 1914, the Panama Canal has linked the Atlantic to the Pacific. This technological marvel of locks and canals also comprises two artificial lakes. The Gatúnsee, one of the world's largest dammed lakes, has now regained a unique range of flora and fauna. In fact, nature has reclaimed the lake for itself, with the rainforest sprawling over its banks. The former hills are now islands on which an astonishing variety of species has formed, due to its isolation. The largest island, Barro Colorado, is completely untouched and has been a nature reserve since 1923. Scientists from all over the world come here to try and discover the jungle's last secrets.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$11,6752-3 travelers
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Superior Single
Superior Single Cabins (approx. 13 and 14.5 m²/139 and 156 sq ft) are equipped with a single bed, a small sitting corner with a table and a chair, a dressing table and a wardrobe. The bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Superior
Superior Cabins (approx. 16.5 to 19 m²/177 to 204 sq ft) are equipped with a double bed (two single beds), a small comfortable sitting corner with a chair or couch and a table as well as a dressing table, wardrobe and bureau. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Deluxe
Deluxe Cabins (approx. 20 m²/215 sq ft) are equipped with a double bed (two single beds), a small comfortable sitting corner with a chair or couch and a table as well as a dressing table, bureau and wardrobe. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Deluxe Lido
Deluxe Lido Cabins (approx. 16.5 to 20 m²/177 to 215 sq ft) are equipped with a double bed (two single beds), a small comfortable sitting corner with a chair or couch and a table as well as a dressing table, bureau and wardrobe. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a sink, shower and WC. These cabins have portholes and are located on the Cabin Deck.
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Junior Suite
Junior Suites (approx. 26 to 30 m² /280 to 323 sq ft including balcony) are located on the Panorama Deck and offer a private balcony and panoramic windows. The cabins include a sitting corner with a couch and a table, two single beds (of 90 cm x 200 cm each), which can be placed separately or as a double bed, and a walk-in closet. The bathroom is equipped with a sink, WC and bathtub.
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Owner's Suite
Owner's Suites are located on the Panorama Deck, and have a sitting area and panoramic windows as well as a private balcony. Each of the suites (approx. 36 to 39 m²/388 to 420 sq ft including balcony) is equipped with two single beds (of 95 cm x 200 cm each) that can be placed separately or as a large double bed, and a walk-in closet. The bathroom features sink and bathtub; the WC is separate.
Notes
Rates are based on double occupancy. A limited number of cabins can be booked for individual use for an additional charge.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Visa, Mastercard, Discover or AmEx. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
